And seeing Defence Minister John Saldivar at an event for Customs - which is under the Ministry of Finance - triggered us to ask him about his aspirations. Is that the ministry he hopes to someday hold? Maybe even as Prime Minister? Saldivar was cagey - but also candid - when we asked him about it today:
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Is your presence here an indication or an exposition of the fact that you believe that you are competent to hold the ministry of finance. You said up on the podium that policy ideas are racing through your mind."
Hon. John Saldivar
"No I'm just grateful for the invitation from the customs department. As I said in my remarks I won't speculate as their motives for inviting me."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"But obviously you also show that you are conversant with the policy issues which face the ministry of finance."
Hon. John Saldivar
"Well, being an economist by training and also having work before in the ministry of public service. I'm very cognizant of a lot of the issues facing the customs department, but that is as far as it goes."
Jules Vasquez, reporter
"Would you say this puts you in good stead? We know that the UDP in 2 years will be looking for a new leader. Would you say this puts you in a good stead as someone who would offer themselves as a leader?"
Hon. John Saldivar
"I think you are over reaching and placing too much emphasis on my appearance here this morning at the invitation of the customs department. The other speculation about future leadership, we'll leave that for when the time comes."
Reporter
"But you are still interested in leading the party?"
Hon. John Saldivar
"Anybody that is a politician that's worth his salt will have ambitions."
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